One Flock, One Shepherd Volume 12 Issue 2 July 2018 Newsletter of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada Participants at the National Formation Meeting in Winnipeg enjoy a picnic at The Forks. (story page 2) Inside this issue National Formation Meeting 2 Archdiocese of Montreal 4 Annual Gathering Vancouver 6 Catechist Profile: Tracy Geary 7 Vancouver Level I and II Courses 8 Infant Toddler Course 9 Ottawa Atrium 10
Page 2 ONE FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD National Formation Meeting: by Therese Wright A National Formation Meeting was held in Winnipeg June 14-16 at the St. Charles Retreat Centre on the banks of the Assiniboine River, hosted by Nancy Wood. There were 18 in attendance from across Canada. These included Formation Facilitators, applicants to the Formation Facilitator in Formation (FFIF) process, regional representatives and special guests, Judith Vasquez, Director of Catechetics & Faith Development for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg and Koreen Hrizai, Coordinator of Catechetics for the Archdiocese of St. Boniface. Thursday afternoon we met Archbishop Albert LeGatt from the Archdiocese of St. Boniface and some of his staff at the retreat centre. We answered their questions about the work of CGSAC and he encouraged us in our work. Archbishop Richard Gagnon On Thursday evening we were joined by approximately 20 Manitoba catechists for a reception, dinner and a Manitoba atriums slide show. Archbishop Richard Gagnon of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg was also in attendance for the the entire evening and expressed his support and encouragement of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Canada. He Archbishop Albert Legatt likened the openness and innocence of the relationship of the young child with God to those he served in a L Arche community in France. There are no atheists in L Arche, they have a very deep and joyful spirituality. Dorothy Burns (Chair) and Therese Wright (Director of Formation) gave updates on how CGSAC was fulfilling our mission to increase the involvement of children and adults in a joyful and contemplative shared religious experience of our covenant relationship with God, in which the religious values of the child predominate." The eighteen participants got to know each other better, talked a lot about our personal experiences of CGS, learned new songs and enjoyed great food. Friday afternoon we toured Maureen Foster Fernandes atrium at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Rev. Donna Joy s atrium at St. Peter s Anglican Church and Sr. Bibiana Ikwun s atrium at Holy Cross parish in St. Boniface. Later that evening we enjoyed a walk about and picnic at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in the Forks tourist area of downtown Winnipeg. The rest of the two days were spent team building, sharing our CGS experiences and discussing life-long learning. We went through an exercise where we identified the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of our current formation process and then identified what processes we want to encourage which ones we needed to stop doing, and those we were not sure about.
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2 Page 3 Deb Zeni and Carolyne-Marie Petch guided the group through an exercise identifying the roles of a CGS catechist which include: Winnipeg June 14-16, 2018 Mustard Seed Preachers / Guides to the Holy Theologians Observers Managers Communicators (to the child) Collaborators (with adults) Then we drilled down to what core competencies each of these roles requires. For example, to be an excellent observer, one must: Be still Be silent Recognize the needs of the child Assess the child s understanding Know how, when, what & to whom to present Learn the art of journaling An overview of the formation facilitator in formation (FFIF) program was given. There is an application process to which a level 3 trained catechist may apply after a minimum number of years of atrium experience in each of the levels. A request to apply is sent by the catechist to the Director of Formation who will arrange for an application package to be sent from the Credentials Clerk, Carolyne-Marie Petch. Once the application is completed, which includes among other things, pictures of the materials in their atria, a complete level album and references, the Credentialing Committee reviews the application. If they meet the criteria for going further, the person is invited to attend a 42 hour course which takes place over three weekends. The first session takes place September, 2018. The remaining two session dates are to be decided. Between these sessions, in-field assignments will be given as well as reading and reflective pieces. An on-line portfolio will be made available where the FFIF experiences and observations are posted. The goal is to form competent formation facilitators who can deliver effective courses that form others to become confident and skilled CGS catechists who can guide children into the holy.
Page 4 ONE FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD Archdiocese of Montreal By Susan Perna The Archdiocese of Montreal welcomed CGSAC past and present Formation Directors Susan Perna and Therese Wright to come, share and plant seeds in a very fertile soil. Over the two very full days, we were warmly welcomed by their staff, clergy and catechists from across the city. Archbishop Christian Lepine sat with us and the 5 Good Shepherd catechists below, for one hour and a half. He listened, asked questions and was very pleased. to Montreal and has been hired by Fr. Michael Leclerc to be the Director of Children's Ministry and open yet another atrium at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish. Beside Rebecca is Lucie McElligott. Ellen encouraged Lucie and Anna Del Duca of St. Ignatius Parish to attend the Level I Course in Lindsay. They returned to Montreal with their certificates and are ready to begin. Together this passionate team is prepared to help bring the opportunity of CGSAC to more children and adults, but they are not the first. Montreal already has catechists with CGSAC certificates. Ellen Roderick on the left leads the Faith and Family Office and received her Level I certificate in Ottawa in 2016. Rebecca Malone, (next) received her Level I and II in Toronto over 25 years ago. Her children attended Holy Name and St. Benedict Parish Atria in Toronto. When they moved to the USA, Rebecca completed her Level III and has created and worked in more atria in Baltimore. Last year she moved Pioneering Work in Montreal Over 20 years ago, The Salesian of Don Bosco Sisters, FMA began their Formation in Toronto and USA. They served children at St. Benedict Parish and were moved to Montreal and wanted to continue serving children by applying The Catechesis of The Good Shepherd, in French and English. To date they have served over 2500 children in Montreal using CGS materials in their nursery schools, youth centers, summer camps and sacramental preparation classes..
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2 Page 5 Opens Doors and Opens Hearts We visited the Atrium at Laura Vicuna Centre. Sr. Pauline Cossette showed us the atrium full of Level I and II materials. We quickly noticed that all the 3D figures were beautiful and seemed to have the same shape. Sr. Pauline told us that she turned table and sofa legs upside down and added a round wood ball for a head and flat pieces for arms. The sisters painted on the details and the figures were ready to be used by the children. Sr. Pauline keeps a well organized wall of materials and files, ready and prepared and to go out to the neighbourhood, the parish and beyond with a smile and deep love of Jesus The Good Shepherd. Sr. Pauline Cossette at the Laura Vicuna Centre The Annunciation
Page 6 ONE FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD CGSAC Annual Conference And a Little Child will Lead them October 19 21, 2018 Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel 7551 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC V6X 1A3 Keynote Speaker: Katy Beedle Rice Katy Beedle Rice is a catechist and writer who lives with her husband and three children in Boise, Idaho. She is a formation leader for the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, training catechists who work with children ages three through six. She holds a Masters in Pastoral Studies from the Aquinas Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. Rice is also the coauthor of Living Liturgy (2019, Liturgical Press), a contributing preacher for the Dominican Podcast theword (https:// word.op.org), writes for Celebration: A Comprehensive Worship Resource, a division of the National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company, and blogs about motherhood, ministry and the Eucharist at blessedbrokenshared.blogspot.com. The weekend also includes: Optional Tour of Vancouver Friday, October 19 Saturday morning, Mass with Archbishop Michael Miller, Archdiocese of Vancouver Annual General Meeting of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada Saturday afternoon Breakout sessions with Canadian catechists and educators: Dr. Deb Zeni, CGS Catechist and Formation Facilitator Mike Perry, Catholic School Principal, Vancouver Sr. Janet Siepker, FSE, Montessori Educator and catechist Visit www.cgsac.ca for more details and registration.
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2 Page 7 Catechist Profile: Tracy Geary, Archdiocese of Vancouver I grew up in a loving but non-catholic home. While dating my husband I attended mass and was drawn to the beauty and structure of the mass. We were married at Holy Trinity parish in North Vancouver. During the next few years I experienced what I consider to be many small conversions and a growing pull to learn more about Jesus and the faith. In 1987 I took a course at Catholic services with Fr. Mugford and was baptized and confirmed in May of 1988. Over the last almost 30 years I feel as though my faith is now so much a part of me that I can t image a life without it. Four years ago I began my journey with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and discovered this rich and beautiful program. I was blessed with the opportunity to begin a Good Shepherd Atrium at Our Lady of the Assumption School, now in its third year of operation. The children I have worked with over the years who have special needs have each impacted me in profound ways. They have taught me patience and given me so much joy as they have learned to overcome difficulties. I love to hear what they are now doing as graduates and feel very blessed to have been a part of their school life. More recently I am impacted by the students who attend the atrium program. It is a blessing to share in discussions with children about the story of creation, and watch as they begin to understand their place in the history of salvation and their integral role in their own salvation. Last year just after we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost in the atrium, a child who is six years old also attended the Pentecost mass at our church. As he saw Father enter in his red vestments he joyously (and quite loudly) proclaimed Look! It s Holy Spirit Day. Father is wearing red. Recently I shared about the Epiclesis with the grade one class. Weekly as we attend morning mass I hear them whispering Look, there s the Epiclesis! They also love to point out the Tabernacle and all the items on the altar. A simple yet profound prayer heard last week by a kindergarten student. I love Jesus! These small, yet beautiful moments are a testament to the growth of faith and understanding of the church. Adapted with permission from CISVA online at : https://cisva.bc.ca/teachers/#toggle-id-6
Page 8 ONE FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD Vancouver Courses March 2018 Danuta Smiegielszka and Marie Ryle Hosting Team Vancouver March 2018 Level I course Vancouver March 2018 Level II course March OLGC Level 1 Part B Practice March OLGC Level 1 Part B Presentation
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2 Page 9 Infant Toddler Course San Francisco by Susan Perna This spring, I completed the Infant Toddler Course in San Francisco. The spiritual life of children from conception to the age of 3 years old was explored. Their needs and capacities are met in a variety of ways, expanding the Catechesis of The Good Shepherd to serve the youngest of the young children. I have asked myself, who needs to learn about this work? Ideally: all clergy should know and be encouraged to invest in the spiritual life of the unborn, the toddler and the future adults of the church all young couples considering marriage all parents preparing for the baptism of their children all educators, caregivers and extended family of every child. There are many ways that CGS can be introduced to children under the age of 3 years old. None of them include bringing these children into a regular Level I Atrium for children ages 3-6 years old. In Canada, in a very gentle way, The Tiny Tinies" have been welcomed and served. Please contact me if you would like to hear about ho One of the pre-requisites of moving forward with this level is for it to be led by a Level I CGS Catechist who has had some experience working with Level I children. Many of the materials presented to the Infant Toddler Level have been simplified and refined from Level I. Examples of this are: The Parable of the Good Shepherd. Instead of ten sheep, there are only three. One of the most exciting aspects of this course was to hear about the life of the unborn child. I wished that when I was pregnant and carrying my own children that I knew just how much my babies were impacted by what I did, what I ate, how I lived my spiritual life and how my surroundings impacted the future life of my children. At this time this work is called "seminal". That is to say, it is experimental and we have been asked to experiment and share this work as it grows from everywhere including parishes and on Grandma's coffee table. Last month, I had the opportunity to introduce The Catechesis of The Good Shepherd in a women's retreat in Trout Creek. Several of these ladies were Net Alumni now with little children of their own and more on the way. I presented The Parable of the Good Shepherd and linked it to The Eucharistic Presence. Their response to this and the news of The Infant Toddler work filled them with Joy!
Page 10 ONE FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD Highlights from Ottawa Atrium William s retreat prayer. Peter s geography work. He works on this every Saturday. St. George s Parish, Ottawa Gregory explores the Mass. He moves to Level 2 in the fall. Above, below, bottom right: Volunteers are an essential part of each atrium.
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2 Page 11 Celebration of Light Gregory designed the model Paschal Candle and was delighted to lead the procession. St. George s, Ottawa Martha and the Good Shepherd: This is Martha s first year in the atrium. She drives 40 minutes to come every week. Her mom says she loves coming to the atrium. (St. George s, Ottawa) North Bay French Atrium work.
Page 12 ONE FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD CGSAC 18 Mountain Street Okotoks, AB T1S 1G5 E-mail: Catechesis.Canada@gmail.com Membership Renewal To be eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting in October you must have a current 2018 membership purchased by September 30. Membership renewal forms are available on our website at: www.cgsac.ca Memberships purchased from October 1st and onward will be applied to the next calendar year. Level I Ottawa,: Part B July 9 14 Formation Facilitators: Susan Perna and Annette White Calgary: Part B August 20 25 Formation Facilitators: Carolyne-Marie Petch and Debbie Zeni Level 2 Ottawa, ON: southeast in Russell: Part B August 13-17 Formation facilitators: Carolyne-Marie Petch and Debbie Zeni Vancouver: Part B October 15-19 Formation Facilitators: Carolyne-Marie Petch and Debbie Zeni Level 3 Current and Upcoming Courses Guelph: Part C July 20-27 Formation facilitators: Lynne Worthington, Debbie Zeni and Carolyne-Marie Petch For the most up to date information on courses visit our website at www.cgsac.ca. or contact Therese Wright at formation@cgsac.ca CGSAC Board Chair/Newsletter: Dorothy Burns Formation Director/Vice-Chair: Therese Wright Treasurer: Deborah Baker Secretary: Claire Reis Membership: Murita Chua Communication: Monica Perry See Contact us on our website to communicate with board members (www.cgsac.ca). Newsletter Submission Deadlines Advent/Christmas: November 30 Lent/Spring: February 28 Summer: May 30 Fall: September 30 Nominations for Board of Directors Open in August There are 5 openings on the board. Consider nominating someone or letting your name stand. Elections take place at the AGM on October 20, 2018 Donations to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada (CGSAC) may be made through Canada Helps.org